Plant Science Today

Phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and proximate analysis of ZiziphusoxyphyllaEdgew. (Angreziber) from Soon Valley, Salt Range, Pakistan

Sarvat Rahim — 2024-07-01

The purpose of this research was to investigate the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity and proximate composition of ZiziphusoxyphyllaEdgew. (Angreziber) through the use of ethanol and aqueous extracts. The flavonoid concentration of the extracts exhibited significant variation as a result of employing 2 distinct extraction methods, specifically sun-drying and shade-drying. Shade-dried aqueous extracts of leaves yielded the highest TPC of 599±1.00 mg/100g GAE (where GAE stands for Gallic acid equivalent), while shade-dried ethanol extracts of leaves exhibited a minimum value of TPC 281±1.00 mg/100g GAE. In leaves,the highest flavonoid content was observed in sun-dried ethanol extracts at 496.296±3.70 mg/100g CE (where CE stands for catechin equivalent), while the minimum was observed in shade-dried aqueous extracts at 159.259 ±48.15 mg/100g CE. Sun-dried ethanol extract 3711.35 ± 2.70 µg/100g AAE (where AAE stands for ascorbic acid equivalent) exhibits a higher level of antioxidants as compared to shade-dried aqueous extracts valued at 462.70 ± 2.70 µg/100g AAE. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of fruit yielded 758.000 mg/100g GAE and 739.333 mg/100g GAE respectively. At the same time, aqueous and ethanol extracts of fruit yielded 405.045 µg/100g AAE and 329.369 µg/100g AAE antioxidants respectively. Proximate analysis of Z. oxyphylla fruit yielded the following results: Moisture 11.9333±0.0208%, fat 8.2466± 0.02081% fiber 5.03 ± 0.02%, ash 5.6666± 0.1527%, protein 2.0366± 0.0152% and NFE (Nitrogen-Free Extract) 79.233 ± 0.02081%. The results obtained from this study, which focused on the total phenolic contents and proximate compositions of Z. oxyphylla, can serve as a foundation for further investigations into its antioxidant capabilities also.

Malabar spinach potentiates cytotoxic activity through apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines

Mangesh Shrirang Hogale — 2024-07-01

Breast cancer, a highly diverse and invasive disease ranking second in cancer-related fatalities originates in the breast cells. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and can also occur in men, albeit rarely. Hence, it is essential to conduct comprehensive research on cancer and explore nature-derived therapeutic interventions. The significance of plant-based medications lies in their natural compounds that offer diverse therapeutic benefits with potentially fewer side effects. Basella alba (Malabar Spinach), is a green leafy vegetable with documented properties of gastroprotective, ulcer-healing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activities. Consequently, we have selected this plant for an in-depth study to investigate its potential anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7cell lines. In the present in vitro anti-cancer study, the IC50 values for B. alba methanol extract (MBA) were 102.43 ± 9.29 ?g/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells and 113.26 ± 5.46 ?g/mL for MCF-7 cells. Cytological changes, including nuclear fragmentation, membrane blebbing, apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation, were observed through acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual (AO/EB) staining. Additionally, Hoechst 33258 staining revealed bright blue fluorescent cells having apoptotic features such as nuclear fragmentation, marginalisation and condensed chromatin in extract-treated cells. Furthermore, MBA treatment induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in fluorescent green cells in both cell lines. The extract notably reduced Bcl-2 gene expression, with a more significant impact on MCF-7 cells. Western blotting confirmed a substantial downregulation in Bcl-2 levels for MBA-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, underscoring the anticancer potential of MBA, as observed in this study.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Alcea kurdica flower, leaf and root aqueous and organic extracts

Dilbreen H. Abdulqader — 2024-07-01

Global concerns are rising due to complications associated with the use of chemical agents and antibiotic resistance. Consequently, research focus has shifted towards the quest for effective agents of biological origin. The aim of the present study was to assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of aqueous and organic extracts derived from various parts of Alcea kurdica. Different parts of A. kurdica were obtained and prepared into leaf, flower and root powders. The powders were extracted with aqueous and organic solvents. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was assessed against bacterial pathogens using the agar well-diffusion assay. Additionally, the antioxidant effects of the extracts were evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and resazurin dye scavenging assays. The results showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for both the organic and aqueous leaf and floral extracts. Furthermore, an antioxidant effect (>80%) was also observed for the organic and water extracts of the flowers, leaves and roots of the plant at the highest concentration (500 µg/ml), as compared to ascorbic acid, which served as the positive control using both the DPPH and resazurin methods. The findings of this study highlighted that A. kurdica can be considered a rich source of potential antioxidant and antibacterial agents, warranting future investigation to identify its active ingredients.

Epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy and a rare case of epigeal cryptocotylar seed germination in Goniothalamus wynaadensis (Bedd.) Bedd., a tropical threatened endemic tree species of the Western Ghats

Anjali Jayan — 2024-07-01

Goniothalamus wynaadensis (Bedd.) Bedd. is a threatened indigenous tree species found in the Western Ghats and possesses significant medicinal value. This species belongs to the primitive family Annonaceae. However, there is a lack of information regarding seed germination in this species. We conducted experiments on seed germination using various media and found that the species exhibits epicotyl morpho-physiological dormancy (eMPD), marking the first such record in Annonaceae. GA₃at a concentration of 500 ppm and warm stratification at 20 °C for one week proved effective in enhancing embryo growth and radicle emergence. The epicotyl emergence was observed only at 30±2 °C. Because warm stratification promotes both radicle and shoot emergence in G. wynaadensis, the level of eMPD is non-deep and simple. Hence, dormancy in G. wynaadensis can be described as C_1bB_b (radicle)- C_1bB_b (epicotyl); i.e., the embryo is underdeveloped and grows before radicle emergence and epicotyl emergence under warm temperatures (B_b) and both the radicle and epicotyl have non-deep simple physiological dormancy broken by warm temperatures (C_1b). Consequently, G. wynaadensis seed dormancy is phenologically well- adapted to the seasonal climate of Wayanad. Additionally, the species was found to display epigeal cryptocotylar seed germination—a rare occurrence in the development of angiosperm seedlings and this is the first record of such a phenomenon in the genus Goniothalamus.

Quantitative and qualitative response of Dragon's head (Lallemantia ibericaBenth) to different fertilizer sources and water deficit conditions

Mohammad ali Fazli — 2024-07-01

Dragon's head plant is a vital source of antioxidants, antibacterials, and pain relief. This research studied the effect of different fertilizer sources on some characteristics of Dragon's head at different water-deficit levels. The experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included irrigation regimes at three levels (normal, mild, and severe water deficit) and different fertilizer sources (control, NPK, humic acid, vermicompost, and manure) conducted in two crop years. The results showed that severe water stress reduced the content of chlorophyll a (25.0%), chlorophyll b (29.24%), carotenoids (24.32%), number of seeds per plant (60.08%), biological yield (24.61%), nitrogen (18.29%), and potassium content (38.83%) compared to the normal condition.In contrast, proline (18.81%), carbohydrate (18.64%), phenol (22.16%), flavonoid (13.4%), DPPH (24.63%), and nitric acid radical scavenging (32.27%) increased with severe water stress compared with the normal condition. Application of vermicompost increased the content of chlorophyll a (92.45%), chlorophyll b (86.76%), carotenoids (85.311%), number of seeds per plant (87.81%), biological yield (93.23%), essential oil present (14.29%), phenol (50.32%), flavonoid (29.07%), DPPH (15.83%), nitric acid radical scavenging (42.47%), chain-breaking capacity (6.18%), nitrogen (19.49%), and potassium content (26.62%) over the control. The highest thousand kernel weight (32.5 g), seed yield (2343.6 kg ha-1), essential oil yield (2.76 kg ha-1), mucilage percentage (15.37%), and mucilage yield (337.8 kg ha-1) were recorded in the vermicompost under normal irrigation conditions. Additionally, vermicompost and animal manure treatment under mild stress conditions increased seed yield, essential oil yield, mucilage percentage, and mucilage yield significantly compared to the corresponding control.

Evaluation of morphophysiological characteristics of wheat genotypes in different foliar spraying treatments under normal conditions and salinity stress

Vahid Salmanpour — 2024-07-01

Salt stress is one of the major factors that decreases wheat yield. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of K, SA, and GABA application on yield components, grain yield, and nutrient uptake in high-salinity in wheat genotypes. The research was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications under normal as control, and salinity (8 dS/m) conditions. The main plots included foliar application with growth stimulants (K, SA, GABA, and control), and subplots encompassed seven wheat genotypes. The salinity caused a 49.95% decrease in grain yield compared to normal conditions. The Mihan genotype showed the highest grain yield when treated with potassium (10970.6 kg/ha), GABA (11370.1 kg/ha), and salicylic acid (10650.1 kg/ha) under non-stress conditions. Furthermore, under salinity conditions, the Mihan genotype sprayed with potassium (7036.1 kg/ha) and GABA (5070.1 kg/ha) produced the maximum grain yield. Foliar spraying with potassium and GABA in both conditions improved the Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn content in grains compared to control. Exposure to salt stress caused a decrease in iron (50.05%), copper (27.86%), and magnesium (18.86%) content in the seeds. Treatments with potassium and GABA in both conditions increased the Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn content in grain. The highest nitrogen and potassium content and lowest sodium content in leaves were observed in Mihan genotype sprayed with K. Therefore, foliar application of K and GABA can moderate the effects of salinity on wheat.

Effect of methionine on essential oil accumulation and antioxidant capacity of perilla (Perilla frutescens L.)

Van Hai Phan — 2024-07-02

Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) is a valuable plant known for its essential oil and antioxidant properties. Its essential oil contains bioactive components with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Additionally, Perilla essential oils act as a natural food preservative, inhibiting the oxidation of lipids and other food constituents. Therefore, enhancing both the yield and quality of essential oil in perilla is imperative. This study aimed to investigate the role of methionine in increasing yield, essential oil content and antioxidant activity in perilla. Perilla plants were subjected to various methionine treatments, including concentrations of 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L^-1, administered either once or twice during the growth. Essential oil content was determined using steam distillation, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH scavenging assay and reducing power assay. The findings revealed that supplementing with methionine, especially at a concentration of 150 mg L^-1 and with a double spray frequency, can augment both yield and essential oil content while boosting antioxidant activity in perilla. These results offer valuable insights for agricultural practices seeking to enhance crop performance and extract essential oils with improved antioxidant properties.

Identification, GC-MS analysis and antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf

Gazi Md. Monjur Murshid — 2024-07-01

The present study was designed to identify the endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum (local name: Fenugreek or Methi) from Bangladesh, followed by a GC-MS analysis of fungal culture filtrates to explore major components present in the ethyl acetate extract and finally to assess their putative antibacterial activity. Two pure fungal extracts, entitled TFLE-1 and TFLE-2 were isolated from the leaf of T. foenum-graecum followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The fungal strains, TFLE-1 and TFLE-2 were identified as Fusarium lichenicola and Trichoderma euskadiense respectively as per microscopic and molecular identification. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of a total of 47 bioactive compounds among which 2-((4-methylpentan-2-yloxy)carbonyl)benzoic acid (15.33%), pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl) (12.42%), benzeneethanamine, 4-benzyloxy-2-fluoro-beta-hydroxy-5-methoxy (3.45%) for TFLE-1 and pentatriacontane (8.61%), diethyl trisulfide (2.90%) and benzene,3-heptynyl (2.78%) for TFLE-2 were the major ones. On antibacterial activity, by disc-diffusion method, the fungal strain T. euskadiense (code: TFLE-2) showed prominent antibacterial activity against both gram (+) and gram (-) multiple-resistant bacteria while compared to the standard drug kanamycin; values were found statistically significant (p?0.05). The findings of the study indicated presence of potentially bioactive endophytic fungal extracts obtained from the leaves of T. foenum-graecum cultivated in Bangladesh.

Iron toxicity in lowland rice influenced by application of high potassic fertilizer with suitable cultivars enhanced productivity and climate resilience

Swain Jevelin — 2024-07-01

Iron poisoning in low-land rice in India develops gradually and is primarily caused by anaerobic conditions in submerged rice fields. A high concentration of ferrous ions in the soil solution disrupts the potassium balance in rice plants, leading to adverse effects on crop growth. In the 2021–2022 period, an experiment was conducted in non-saline, iron-rich soil (pH–4.82, Fe–458.6 mg kg–1) to mitigate iron toxicity in rice cultivars through potassium nutrition. The experiment involved 4 potassium application doses (K-40, K-80, K-100 and K-120) and 32 rice cultivars, replicated twice using a split-plot design. Higher potassium doses led to increased tiller counts, but gradually decreased root length. Notably, cultivars like Kanchan, Indravati, Jagabandhu, Santepheap and Salibahan exhibited the lowest iron concentration in their grains compared to susceptible cultivars. Administering K-120 resulted in a yield increase of over 36.70 q ha-1. Grain yield increased with higher K dosage, although it did not affect total iron content. However, K doses did influence specific fractions of iron in the soil. Hence, potassium nutrition appears crucial in managing iron toxicity in inceptisols, especially when paired with cultivars tolerant to iron toxicity.

Phenotypic characterization and genetic variability, genetic diversity of elite mutants of Jasminum auriculatum Vahl and induction of homeotic mutants

S P Mirunalini — 2024-07-01

Jasmine is commonly propagated vegetatively, representing a poor genetic diversity base for effective selection to make further improvements in yield and quality. Hence, research conducted at TNAU during 2021-2023 aimed to induce genetic variation in J. auriculatum through the application of physical (gamma rays) and chemical (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate; EMS) mutagens. The M1V3 generation putative mutants of J. auriculatum cv. CO.1 was evaluated under field condition. It was observed that mutants derived from treatments 10 Gy gamma irradiation and 35 mM EMS exhibited maximum vegetative growth parameters, including plant height, stem girth, internodal length, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf thickness and flower quality parameters viz., flower bud length and corolla tube length. These values were surpassed those of parent CO.1. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was prominent than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits studied, indicating the appreciable influence is not only by the genetic factor but highly influenced by the environment. The higher magnitude of broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance as % of mean was observed for corolla tube length at 15 Gy, 35 mM and 40 mM, bud girth at 10 Gy and 35 mM, flower diameter at 35 mM. Homeotic mutants were identified and isolated from the mutated population. This study further explored the reliability of the observed traits for making simple selection for efficient improvement of jasmine.

Analysis of economic benefits and energy value of intercropping Stropharia rugosoannulata under rubber forests in Hainan Province of China

Jingyun Tian — 2024-07-01

To stabilize China's rubber planting area and maintain the security of China's natural latex supply as a strategic material, developing the cultivation of edible fungi under rubber forests is considered an effective solution. However, the proportion of suitable substrate for cultivating edible fungi under forests has not been clearly defined. The lack of clarity in economic and energy utilization efficiency hinders the promotion and development of the under-forest cultivation mode of edible fungi. In this study, we investigated the yield performance of Stropharia rugosoannulata cultivated under the forest using 9 different cultivation proportions. Additionally, we examined the economic and energy efficiency by calculating the input and output of each cultivation proportion, with S. rugosoannulata as the target. The results showed that proportion F (rubber sawdust: rice straw: rice chaff = 3:3:2) made full use of local agroforestry wastes. This proportion not only achieved the highest yield (8.51 kg m-2) but also had the highest economic value, reaching 21.57 CNY m-2. Therefore, it is the most suitable for widespread cultivation under the forest. This study provides reliable theoretical support for the rubber-fungus model while enhancing the rubber forest economy.

An annotated checklist of the liverworts and hornworts of Nagaland, India

Sk Nasim Ali — 2024-07-01

The present checklist comprises 168 species, including three infraspecific taxa, of liverworts and hornworts belonging to 54 genera and 32 families. It is based on literature reviews and specimen studies from the CAL herbarium. Six taxa are reported for the first time from the State of Nagaland.

The study of the variety of ethnobotanical plants and spices used in the cuisine of the Indian tribes of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Ramesh Kumar Ahirwar — 2024-07-01

The present investigation aimed to identify and document herbs and spices used by the tribal communities for culinary purposes in the district of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India. It is a report about this field using an ethnobotanical viewpoint, and it includes a quantitative analysis of the plants that were reported. A questionnaire was used to gather data from the indigenous communities in the study area. The collected data was analyzed through fidelity level (FL) and use value (UV). The plant samples were collected identified and then processed as voucher specimens following standard ethnobotanical practice. In total, there are 24 species of plants belonging to 15 families and 22 genera. These plants were mainly used as fruits (34%), leaves (23%), seeds (17%), rhizomes (10%), aril (4%), barks (3%), bulbs (3%), flower buds, and stigmas (3%). There are many medicinal and commercially significant plants in the region, which have a wealth of greenery. The tribal communities still regularly use these plants to produce herbs and spices for both culinary and medicinal uses. However, the traditional indigenous knowledge of these plants is gradually disappearing among the younger population. As a consequence, it will be useful as a reference as well as a way to record and keep alive the local knowledge of these herbs and spices in the district of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

Phytochemical, proximate analysis and antioxidant activity of the rhizome of Alpinia nigra (Gaertn.) B.L. Burtt (Zingiberaceae) in Tamulpur district, Assam

Minisrang Daimary — 2024-07-01

The present research examines the chemical composition, proximate characteristics and antioxidant analysis of Alpinia nigra’s rhizome extract. Results of GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 22 volatile compounds of which Tris (tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy) arsane (2.89 %), 2-ethylthiolane, S, S-dioxide (3.47 %), Ambrial (6.68 %) and Silicic acid, diethyl bis (trimethylsilyl) ester (4.59 %) were the major compounds. The rhizome was found to have variable quantities of proximate compositions such as moisture content (55.5 %), ash content (4.72 %), crude fat (52 %), crude fibre (41.25 %), crude protein (28.95 µg/g), carbohydrate (46.27 %) and dry matter (33.4 %). The crude extraction of the rhizome was done by Soxhlet apparatus. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloid, tannin, terpenoid, glycoside, steroid, carbohydrate and a considerable amount of phenol and flavonoid. Phenolic and flavonoid content in the extracts was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride assays as gallic acid equivalent and quercetin equivalent respectively. To evaluate the antioxidant activity of rhizome extract, phosphomolybdenum assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) were used. The findings indicate that the rhizome extract is rich in phenol and flavonoid content and would serve as a promising source of natural antioxidants in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Heterosis and combining ability for phenological yield and fiber traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

Altaf Hussain Solangi — 2024-07-02

The seeds of 4 lines, 3 testers, and their 12 F1 hybrids were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications at Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during Kharif 2019. F1 hybrids were raised for the estimation of heterotic effects, GCA and SCA for days to 1st squaring, days to 1st boll formation Bolls opened at 90 days after sowing, Sympodial branches plant-1, Bolls plant-1, Boll weight (g), Seed cotton yield plant-1 (g), 100-seed weight (g), Ginning outturn (%) and staple length (mm). Genotypes, parents, crosses, parent's v/s crosses, lines, testers and line × testers were significant for days to 1st squaring and days to 1st boll forming. Bolls unveiled their fissures precisely 90 days post-sowing, while parameters including sympodial branches per plant, bolls per plant, individual boll weight, seed cotton yield per plant, 100-seed weight, ginning outturn, and staple length underwent meticulous evaluation. The statistical scrutiny unveiled the insignificance of both lines and testers concerning the 90-day boll dehiscence. Similarly, the parental influence on boll weight, 100-seed weight, and staple length exhibited a lack of statistical significance. Line CRIS-134, Sindh, and tester FH-901 gave a higher mean performance for all the traits. Among the hybrids, Mehran × FH-901, Sindh-1 × CIM-602, CRIS-134 × CIM-602, CRIS-342 × Koonj, and CRIS-342 × CIM-602 gave a desirable mean performance and heterotic effect for all the traits. CRIS-342 × Koonj produced maximum SCA effects for bolls per plant. Mehran × FH-901 recorded higher SCA effects for seed cotton yield plant-1 and 100-seed weight, CRIS-342 × CIM-602 for lint percentage, and CRIS-342 × FH-901 for staple length. It is suggested that these lines and testers should be utilized in the breeding program to improve these traits.

Endophytic fungal diversity in Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. of Tripura, Northeast India at different sampling sites and plant organs

Samrat Tripura — 2024-07-01

Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous in plant kingdom and play a vital role in balancing the microenvironments within the host plants. Fungal endophytes isolated from ethno-botanically important plants were the source of several secondary metabolites with potential biological activities. The present study has documented the variability of culturable endophytic fungi from Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. (Combretaceae), a widely used medicinal plant of Tripura, North-east, India. A total of 613 fungal strains were isolated from 720 tissue segments viz. leaves, bark and root of T. arjuna. The highest numbers of endophytic fungal isolates were found to be colonizing in leaves (257) followed by barks (182) and the least number of isolates were obtained from roots (174). The fungal isolates were classified into 27 individual fungal strains based on morphological and microscopic features. A total of 9 endophytic fungal strains were identified using the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribe sequence and were subjected to phylogeny analysis. Most of the identified morphotypes belonged to phylum Ascomycota. Among all the isolates, Diaporthe sp., Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Penicillium sp. were the most abundant fungal isolates from T. arjuna. The fungal orders namely Sordariomycetes was the most prevalent followed by Eurotiomycetes and Dothideomycetes. Colonization rate, isolation rate, colonization frequency and relative frequency results suggest that leaf segments harbors maximum endophytic fungi assemblage compared to bark and root tissues. The analysis of Shannon (H'), Simpson (1-D), Fisher alpha (a) and Brillouin (HB) indices had significant difference with locations and tissue type. The host plant harbor unique endophytic community composition in studied sampling locations and their colonization varied between the inoculated vegetative parts of the plant. As no such study has been undertaken in the North- eastern part of India, this pioneer study may enable to unearth novel fungal endophytes that might have beneficial role in plant growth promotion, stress tolerance etc.

In vitro antifungal activities of Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martini, Pogestemon cablin and Curcuma longa essential oils against spoilage fungi isolated from tomatoes

Rajib Sarkar — 2024-07-01

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) have highmoisture content (93–95%), making them more vulnerable to various types of spoilage fungi. Numerous medicinal plants' essential oils are known to have antifungal properties that combat these spoilage fungi. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential antifungal activity of essential oils from some indigenous plants in Bangladesh to prevent the fungal attack on tomatoes. Using potato dextrose agar medium, 4 species of spoilage fungi from tomatoes were identified. ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) region-specific sequencing was used to identify the fungal species as Aspergillus welwitschiae, Aspergillus tamari, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus arrhizus. Assessment on antifungal activity was conducted for four essential oils extracted from plants: turmeric leaf (Curcuma longa), patchouli (Pogestemon cablin), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). The GC-MS method was used to analyze these essential oils to ascertain their chemical content. A pathogenicity test determined the severity and % of rot on tomatoes. A. welwitschiae caused the most severe spoilage (80%) after 21 days, while R. arrhizus damaged 26% of the tomatoes within 5 days. The minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils were determined after analysis. Lemongrass oil fully suppressed the growth of all the isolates at a concentration of 12 ????l/ml. Finally, the essential oils of palmarosa and lemongrass may be used as a preventative measure against tomato fungal rot.

Studies on reproductive behaviour and phenology cycle of Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem.

Vijay Daneva — 2024-07-01

The study on the phenology and reproductive biology of Rohida (Tecomella undulata) was conducted in Luttu village, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, situated at 28.2160 N and 75.2500 E. It was observed that the defoliation started in the last week of November and continued till the last week of March, although a complete leaflessness stage was never observed in any of the trees and the peak period of flowering varied from 22 to 30 days, with the tree in full bloom during 2nd fortnight of April. The flower buds took approximately 20 days from initiation to opening. The duration from the start of bud emergence to the maturity of the pod ranged from 141 to 152 days. It was also observed that the staining of the pollen for viability, carried out in a solution of Acetocarmine (1%), varied from 80.00 to 88.18%, or overall, 82.97% under the electron microscope. The pod setting under open pollination ranged between 7.14 and 17.50%, with an average of 12.40%, while there was no pod setting under selfing. This type of breeding behaviour represents the open-pollinated nature of this particular tree.

Biological, physiological and economic characteristics of Onobrychis chorasanica Bunge ex Bois. (Sainfoin) under sowing conditions

Davlat Khojakulov — 2024-07-01

Onobrychis chorasanica Bunge ex Bois. (Sainfoin) is a valuable pasture plant that is resistant to drought, produces high biomass and is not inferior to alfalfa in terms of nutrient content. It is urgent to research the possibilities of cultivation of this plant for the purpose of growing hay in hilly conditions. The presence of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria in the roots of plants is important in increasing the fertility of desert soils and this feature increases its role in the creation of artificial grasslands in hilly conditions. In the experiments, it was shown that it is possible to reach 100 % germination by mechanical scarification of the seeds isolated from O. chorasanica pods using sandpaper. Germination of unscarred seeds in field conditions depends on the year and the depth of planting them in the soil. In a dry year, the highest fertility was observed to be 13.3-15.0 % in the options where the seeds were buried at a depth of 3-4 cm, and in years with abundant rainfall, this indicator was 35.3 % in the option where the seeds were buried at a depth of 3 cm. The viability of lawns in the 2^nd year of life was 72-95 % in different options. Hay productivity of O. chorasanica was found to be 41 centners per ha in hilly conditions and seed yield was up to 250 kg. The results obtained in the research are promising for the intensification of feed production of O. chorasanica in local conditions. The obtained results serve to increase the biomass yield of pasture plants and the variety of used feeds in farms specializing in animal husbandry.

Exploring rice genotypes for anaerobic germination: Towards sustainable direct seeding

C Vijaya Kumar Reddy — 2024-07-01

Direct-seeded rice (DSR) production is the primary focus of this study, which explores the diversity of rice genotypes concerning their ability to withstand anaerobic germination conditions. Using advanced statistical analysis, a total of 250 rice cultivars were assessed for several anaerobic germination attributes. Significant variability was observed among genotypes for key traits including germination % (ARC14855, AG 387), shoot length and seedling dry weight, indicating potential donors for anaerobic germination tolerance. Trait association analysis, variability analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were employed to uncover the genetic and phenotypic factors influencing anaerobic germination tolerance. The genotypes of cluster III could be used as donors for anaerobic germination studies, as the genotypes have revealed high average values for all the traits. The findings underscore the importance of genetic variability and heritability in breeding resilient rice varieties suited for DSR cultivation, offering valuable insights for enhancing rice cultivation practices in the face of challenges such as water scarcity and labour shortages. To improve the sustainability and productivity of paddy production systems, this research advances rice breeding procedures that aim to create varieties tolerant to anaerobic conditions.

Understanding the advances in Sorghum grain quality improvement: An overview

Anamika Dhar — 2024-07-01

Sorghum, a crucial cereal crop with versatile applications, is increasingly recognized for its grain quality attributes. The nutritional and biochemical diversity within sorghum, encompassing elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), proteins, starch, dietary fibers, and ß-carotene, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality across diverse sorghum accessions. Breeding programs offer a promising avenue for further improvement in these traits. Additionally, sorghum features a spectrum of phenolic compounds, including tannins and flavonoids, influencing both pigmentation and potential health benefits. The antioxidative properties of these compounds underscore their critical role in promoting health and mitigating oxidative stress. The significance of sorghum is shaped by genetic factors, environmental conditions, ripening stages, and varietal distinctions, highlighting the complex interplay between grain structure, genetics, and nutritional content. As the global demand for diverse, nutritionally rich food sources continues to rise, this review provides insights aimed at deepening our understanding of sorghum's potential as a staple crop with substantial nutritional and health-promoting attributes.

Growth and biomass of Porang (Amorphophallus onchophyllus Prain ex Hook. f.) at several ages of oil palm as a shading crop

Halus Satriawan — 2024-07-02

Oil palm, with its wide spacing and broad canopy, has the potential to be intercropped with crops that are adapted to shaded conditions. Porang (Amorphophallus onchophyllus Prain ex Hook. f.) is a type of plant that requires shade to grow well. Porang is known as an alternative food crop with a low glycemic index and is included in the healthy food group. This study aims to test the growth of porang in 3 groups of oil palm stands of different ages-3 years, 6 years and 9 years-and compared it with non-shaded conditions as a control. This research was designed as a field experiment using a Completely Randomised Design. The results showed that the growth of porang plants was influenced by shade, with the shade provided by 6-year-old oil palms (N2) and 9-year-old (N3) creating an ideal growing environment. This was indicated by parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and canopy width, which tended to be better. Similarly, nutrient uptake indicators, consisting of C, N, P and K elements, also indicated higher nutrient absorption compared to 3-year old shade (N1) and non-shaded conditions used as a control. The findings demonstrate that the presence of shade from 6 years (N2) and 9 years (N3) oil palm trees fosters an optimal growing environment for porang cultivation.